The team from Belper had simply not read the script. Codnor started off in high tempo mode with Ben Richards and James Dean firing several shots. The central midfield of Tanaka Mucheseshi and Lewis Walker played their part in breaking down any threatening moves, and the support on the flanks from David O’Hagan and Ben Greaves increased the pressure. At no time (up until the first goal) did Ewan McCracken or Liam Shelton look anything but rock solid. In perhaps the first of their three forays over the half way line, the were awarded a penalty. It was converted, but Colby O’Hare dived and was unlucky to turn it onto the post and in.

Normal service was resumed when the next attack resulted in a goal for Codnor’s Ben Richards.

The second half was the same as the first as corner after corner, and shot after shot reigned in on the Belper Sports’ goal. And then, from no where, their manager’s son picked up the ball in his own half and out ran everyone from Codnor to narrowly put the ball wide. That was worrying, and a glimpse into the future as 5 minutes later he did the same thing and scored. Codnor went back to shot after shot, corner after corner but the ball simply would not go in. Come the end of the game, when everyone one was sodden and camped in the Belper Sports goal mouth, the referee blew and it finished 1:2.

After the game, the Belper manager took time out to thank the team and spectators on their excellent sportsman-like performance.

Hi, I'm Sarah. I've lived in Heanor with my family for over 10 years and I'm passionate about our beautiful little corner of this historical county. If you know of something that's great about our area,...